Sea.Hear.Now Festival
Asbury Park's premier music and surf festival featuring world-class artists, professional surfing, and beach culture on the Jersey Shore.
Festival at a Glance
Sep 19-20
2026 Dates
25+
Artists
3
Stages
All Ages
Family Friendly
A portion of proceeds benefits the Surfrider Foundation
What to Expect
Live Music
Three stages featuring 25+ artists spanning rock, indie, alternative, and more. Past headliners include Pearl Jam, Stevie Nicks, Green Day, The Killers, and Weezer.
Surf Competition
Professional surfing competition right on North Beach. Watch top surfers compete while enjoying the music between sets.
Art & Culture
Curated art installations, photography exhibits, and interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds.
Food & Drink
Local Asbury Park restaurants and food vendors serve up everything from boardwalk classics to gourmet cuisine.
Past Lineups & History
Sea.Hear.Now launched in 2018, created by legendary music photographer Danny Clinch and C3 Presents. The festival has quickly become one of the premier music events on the East Coast.
2024
Headliners: The Killers • Noah Kahan • The Black Crowes
Also featured: Norah Jones, Sublime, The Walkmen, Manchester Orchestra
2023
Headliners: Stevie Nicks • The Foo Fighters • Weezer
Also featured: Sheryl Crow, The Lumineers, Pixies, Counting Crows
2022
Headliners: Green Day • My Chemical Romance • Stevie Nicks
Also featured: Portuguese. The Man, Bleachers, Gary Clark Jr.
2019
Headliners: Dave Matthews Band • The Lumineers • Cage the Elephant
Also featured: Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Gary Clark Jr.
2018
Headliners: Jack Johnson • Blondie • Incubus
Also featured: Violent Femmes, Social Distortion, Ben Harper
Getting There
NJ Transit Train
Take the North Jersey Coast Line to Asbury Park station. 10-minute walk to the festival. Recommended option - no parking hassle.
Driving & Parking
Municipal lots on Ocean Avenue and downtown. Arrive early as lots fill up fast. Expect $20-40 for all-day parking.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off zones. Great option for evening exit when traffic is heaviest.
Distance from Major Cities
Where to Stay
The Asbury Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Stylish hotel steps from the beach and boardwalk. Rooftop bar, vintage arcade, and movie theater. Book months ahead for festival weekend.
The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Oceanfront Hotel
Classic oceanfront hotel right on the boardwalk with stunning views. Walking distance to the festival grounds.
Asbury Ocean Club
Luxury Hotel
Upscale beachfront property with rooftop pool. The most luxurious option in Asbury Park.
Vacation Rentals
VRBO/Airbnb
Houses and apartments in Asbury Park and nearby Ocean Grove. Great for groups. Book 6+ months in advance.
Pro tip: Hotels in nearby Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Belmar offer more availability and lower rates. All are a short drive or rideshare from the festival.
Book a Vacation Rental
Beach houses & condos for festival weekend
Stay close to Sea.Hear.Now in a vacation rental. Book early—festival weekend rentals fill up 6+ months in advance. Asbury Park and nearby towns have great options.
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Tips for Attending
Arrive Early
Gates open at noon. Arriving early lets you explore the grounds, stake out a spot near your favorite stage, and avoid long entry lines.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on sand and grass all day. Sneakers or sandals with straps work best. Leave the flip-flops at home.
Bring Sun Protection
The festival is outdoors on the beach with limited shade. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Reapply throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated
Bring an empty reusable water bottle. Free water refill stations are available throughout the grounds.
Know the Set Times
Download the festival app for set times and stage maps. Plan your must-see acts but leave room for discovery.
Use Rideshare or Transit
Parking is limited and traffic is heavy after the festival. NJ Transit to Asbury Park or rideshare makes exit much easier.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)
Bring
- Empty or factory-sealed water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Small bag (12"x12"x6" max)
- Portable phone charger
- Small blanket for sitting
- Cash for vendors
- Earplugs for front row
Leave Home
- Chairs (not allowed)
- Coolers or outside food/drinks
- Professional cameras/drones
- Umbrellas
- Pets (except service animals)
- Selfie sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sea.Hear.Now Festival 2026?
Sea.Hear.Now Festival 2026 takes place September 19-20, 2026 on the Asbury Park waterfront. Gates typically open at noon each day with music running until 10pm.
How much do Sea.Hear.Now tickets cost?
General admission weekend passes typically range from $199-299. VIP packages with premium viewing areas, dedicated bars, and air-conditioned restrooms range from $499-1500. Single-day tickets are sometimes available closer to the event.
Is Sea.Hear.Now an all-ages festival?
Yes, Sea.Hear.Now is an all-ages event. Children 5 and under are free with a ticketed adult. The festival is family-friendly during the day, though the crowd skews older in the evening.
Can I bring a chair or blanket to Sea.Hear.Now?
Small blankets are generally allowed but chairs are prohibited. The festival takes place on the beach and in Bradley Park, so comfortable shoes and beach-friendly attire are recommended.
Is there parking at Sea.Hear.Now Festival?
Limited parking is available in Asbury Park lots and garages. Most attendees park in municipal lots along Ocean Avenue or take NJ Transit to Asbury Park station. Rideshare drop-off zones are available.
What can I bring to Sea.Hear.Now?
You can bring sealed water bottles (empty or factory sealed), small bags (12"x12"x6"), sunscreen, and blankets. Prohibited items include chairs, coolers, outside food/drinks, professional cameras, and drones.
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